One of the oldest symbols for the universe is a snake eating its tail, which is a reference to the self sustaining and self consuming nature of life and time

is this related to the symbol of ouroboros by any chance?

The fire of the snake is reminiscent of the Brazen Serpent in the Dead Sea Scrolls.

I think Neon Genesis Evangelion is where I first heard of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Your comment has inspired my next rabbit hole